A combination of all these is reflected in the multiple ecological, economic and social crises that beset rural India. Unfortunately, the scientific paradigm of single-crop productivity has promoted an agricultural system with ecologically unsustainable cropping patterns. It has contributed significantly to climate emissions, and threatened farmer livelihoods and the natural resource base they depend upon. In attempting to offer a new deal to farmers, do the new farm laws recognise or address any of these fundamental concerns? Moreover, guaranteed procurement in the past has incentivised monoculture farming, with huge ecological and social costs.

Source: Indian Express December 06, 2020 21:33 UTC